Prevailing Winds and Coriolis Effect

Coriolis Effect

Meteorology Section #3 Re-test Review

Watch the video as you take or re-take notes in your blue notebook. Also have your Reference Tables out.
Go through the rest of the slides and answer the questions for a grade.

Understanding the Coriolis Effect

• The Coriolis Effect is a phenomenon that causes moving objects on the Earth's surface to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

​Notice that although the blue line moves straight, the redline on the Earth appears to curve.

Understanding the Coriolis Effect

• The Coriolis Effect is a phenomenon that causes moving objects on the Earth's surface to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

• It is caused by the rotation (spin) of the Earth.

Understanding the Coriolis Effect

• The Coriolis Effect is a phenomenon that causes moving objects on the Earth's surface to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

• It is caused by the rotation (spin) of the Earth.

• The Coriolis Effect influences the direction of winds and ocean currents therefore understanding this effect is crucial (important) in meteorology.

Understanding the Coriolis Effect

​This is page 14 of the reference tables. Notice how the wind arrows curve. In the Northern hemisphere they curve to the right and to the left in the Southern hemisphere.

Multiple Choice

What is the Coriolis Effect?

• A phenomenon that affects the movement of objects in the Southern Hemisphere

• A phenomenon that affects the movement of objects in the Northern Hemisphere

• A phenomenon that affects the movement of objects in both hemispheres

• A phenomenon that affects the movement of objects in the Equator

Multiple Choice

What causes the Coriolis Effect?

• The rotation of the Earth

• The gravitational pull of the Moon

• The tilt of the Earth's axis

• The revolution of the Earth

Multiple Choice

What curves because of the Coriolis Effect?

• The rotation of the Earth

• The movement of wind and ocean currents

• The difference in velocity between different latitudes

• The air masses

Hotspot

Click on the image anywhere the winds are curving to the right.

Review the practice questions found in your notebook.

Coriolis Effect:

The movement of air and water causes the Coriolis Effect. This phenomenon is a result of the Earth's rotation, which causes fluids to curve as they move across the Earth's surface. It affects weather patterns, ocean currents, and even the trajectory of projectiles. The Coriolis Effect is an important concept in meteorology and fluid dynamics.